Alice M. Kells

1926 - 2016

Alice M. Kells, lifelong scholar and patron of the arts, passed away peacefully in her home on January 30, 2016 at the age of 89. The daughter of Charles Franklin and Mary Anna (Klages) Kells, she was born in Long Island City, New York on August 24, 1926. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA with her two brothers, Charles David and John Christopher, both deceased.
Alice graduated from Chatham College with a degree in Biology and in 1949 began her career as a lab technician at New York Memorial Hospital and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center at the Institute of Cancer Research. Alice moved to San Francisco, CA to become a lab technician at the University of California, Berkeley in the Department of Biochemistry. In 1965 Alice earned her credentials to become a Science teacher, which she enjoyed in San Francisco for five years before relocating to Northfield, MA to take a position as a Biology teacher at the Northfield School. Alice was a beloved member of the faculty, through the school's transition to the Northfield Mount Herman School, until her retirement in 1991.
Alice was an avid traveler who had the wonderful opportunity to visit every continent, some multiple times, often participating in continuing education programs. She even spent a year in Great Britain as an exchange Biology teacher. She was very close with her family, rarely missing a wedding, graduation or special birthday celebration, and enjoyed Spring Break visits with her nieces in Palm Beach, FL throughout her life. She lived with and cared for her father after her mother passed away in 1983 until his death in 1987. During her retirement Alice was an enthusiastic volunteer at Baystate Franklin Medical Center and member of the Baystate Franklin Auxiliary. Alice was a lifelong faithful Christian and a communicant and Eucharistic Minister at St. James Episcopal Church, She spent a great deal of time in her later years visiting church members in hospitals and assisted living facilities. She continued her volunteer work through the last week of her life, a true testament to her generous spirit and zest for life.
She will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to call her friend and especially by her three nieces, Lisa Kells and Caroline Nugent of North Palm Beach, FL and Amy Kells of New York, NY and many grandnieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church on Saturday, February 6 at 10 a.m.. Burial will take place in a private ceremony in Douglaston, NY at the Zion Episcopal Church in the Kells family plot. In lieu of flowers, Alice had requested that donations be made to Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Annie S. Barclay Scholarship Fund, 164 High Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Greenfield is assisting with arrangements. To sign a a guestbook, leave a message of condolence, or order flowers, visit: www.smithkelleherfuneralhome.com.